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It seems like when a music video comes out, the title that receives all of the credit and travels with a film is that of the director. It’s as though the director is the “artist” or “creator” of the music video, when in reality a music video is first a written treatment, produced (putting together ingredients like actors and locations), shot and directed, cut on the editing board and finally color graded. The music might be fine tuned and scored specifically for that film. There are so many variables that are completely equal if not sometimes more complicated than directing, it’s a shame that so much credit comes down to whoever fulfills that position. A director wouldn’t have shit to direct without a producer. A producer would have nothing to produce without a writer, and so forth.

For our team, I think it’s even more complicated because roles tend to cross over. We simply don’t work within the conventional hierarchy of the film industry (director, producer, etc.) Sure, people have concrete pre-defined roles based on their expertise, but our team has the remarkable ability to wear multiple hats. Can’t Hold Us was a video that showcased this well.

After three months of shooting, finally getting to those last few frames where you reveal the credits, it’s a tense moment. There isn’t exactly a sensible way to do it, if we’re trying to fit people into classic film roles. It leads me to the point that although we do our best to give people titles, this was a video fully created by seven individuals at the forefront. Take any of those people out of the equation, you’d be watching a very different video. I write this in hopes that you don’t fall under the illusion that one person creates a music video, particularly at the Macklemore camp. We are constantly challenging and enhancing each others ideas and I take pride in believing that’s the reason we make great videos.

Up top is footage of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performing at the YouTube headquarters in NYC earlier today.

Rapper Ben Haggerty, aka Macklemore, turned heads this year when the video for his debut single “Thrift Shop” went gangbusters, garnering millions of views within days. Though that track is a playful, goofy spoof of hip-hop’s bling culture, Macklemore has a serious, lyrical side which is in full evidence on the later single “Same Love.” His longtime collaborator, DJ and producer Ryan Lewis, joins him onstage.

Last month when Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were in town I had the opportunity to use my “credentials” for some backstage passes. The concert was off the hook and the crowd was electric! It definitely had to be one the liveliest crowds on tour. I took a couple videos which you can view up top and down bottom. Shout out to Tricia Davis and Zach Quillen for hooking it up!

Just giving The Heist album a listen for the first time. For some reason within five seconds of listening to this song I was about to skip it ( I need to listen to music while distracted from now on). Now it’s my favorite track on the album. So dope. The Heist drops in less than nine hours.

Now every month there’s a new Rodney on Youtube
It’s just something our generation is used to
And neighborhoods where you never see a news crew
Unless they’re gentrifying, white people don’t even cruise through

This is fu%*ing dope! Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are set to drop their debut album, The Heist, on October 9th.

Each day, we wake up, as early as our bodies can handle. We walk into rooms illuminated by overcast skies and get ready to get back to work. The irony of getting ready in the morning is how few people are likely to see you on a typical day.

Damn this is dope. What a powerful song. There’s so many rappers out there who wouldn’t have the guts or even the understanding to put out a song like this. I highly recommend a spin on this. Macklemore is that dude.

As part of a partnership with Music for Marriage Equality campaign, Sub Pop Records will release this track digitally on 7/24 and as a limited run 7″ vinyl on 7/31, available through Sub Pop. All proceeds will benefit marriage equality in Washington State.

Exclusive in-depth interview with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at Paid Dues. In part 1 Macklemore talks to Nick Huff Barili about Seattle Hip Hop, early influences, how the “Gateways” program impacted his life, looking up to Lil Wayne, lean aka sizzurp and its negative effects, substance abuse and how it led to him writing the song Otherside, how he and Ryan Lewis started working together and much more.

Make sure you watch this Wednesday for Part 2 of our interview with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.